The goal is to raise funds to get started $80 million in emergency operations to transfer oil from the Safer FSO to a temporary vessel.
FSO Safer is moored off the Red Sea coast of Yemen and holds more than a million barrels of oil. The tanker is beyond repair, and it is feared that it could soon break or explode.
At 376 meters long, it is one of the largest oil tankers in the world and holds four times the amount of crude oil that was spilled during the Exxon Valdez disaster, off Alaska, in 1989.
The Safer has been anchored just a few miles off the coast of Yemen for more than 30 years, but fighting between the pro-government coalition and the Houthi rebels has brought unloading off the ship, as well as maintenance, to a halt. in 2015.
Lack of capital
The UN was ready to launch an emergency rescue operation, but it was delayed due to insufficient funds for the transfer operation.
About three-quarters of the required amount has already been received, after Saudi Arabia announced a pledge of $10 million this week. The US is also working towards a $10 million contribution.
The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, David Gressly, has launched a crowdfunding campaign, encouraging people everywhere to contribute towards a personal donation of $5 million later this month to help raise funds. Work can start in July.
The transfer is part of a two-track plan, totaling $144 million, which also includes the installation of a replacement train for FSO Safer.
Recommended route
Meanwhile, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, remains involved after a two-month armistice between the government and the Houthis was recently extended.
The special envoy visited the Houthi stronghold of Sana’a last week to discuss issues, including the proposed phased reopening of key roads in Taiz and other provinces.
The UN proposal considers the various concerns both sides expressed during discussions that began in Amman, Jordan, last month.
Mr. Grundberg is expecting an imminent response from Sana’a on the proposal.
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said that the opening of the road was a measure to alleviate the suffering of the people of Yemen, as well as provide a sense of normalization and facilitation of free movement for the people of Yemen. civilians. told journalists in New York.
“Mr. Grundberg remains committed to working with all parties to implement all elements of the ceasefire agreement to continue delivering tangible benefits to Yemeni women, men and children, and to participate. on next steps to strengthen the opportunities presented by the truce to put Yemen on the path to peace,” he said.
